Getting ready to open rivalry weekend against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Place, the Senators can surpass the Boston Bruins and move into first place in the Northeast Division with a victory.

The Toronto Maple Leafs visit Saturday.

“It would be huge,” Zack Smith said of the possibility his team could be in first place after Friday’s game with the Habs. “That said, it’s something that’s in the back of your mind but you worry about winning games and getting in position, playing good hockey going into the playoffs.

"But it is in the back of our minds, and it’s always an advantage in the playoffs to have home ice.”

Coach Paul MacLean will make only one change — Kaspars Daugavins is going to be a healthy scratch and replaced by Bobby Butler. Goaltender Ben Bishop is going to be making his fifth straight start in the net.

MacLean said the Senators have to find a way to beat the Habs after suffering a 3-2 shootout loss Wednesday at the Bell Centre.

“Butler brings a little more offence and against Montreal, we could use a little more offence,” said MacLean.

Defenceman Tomas Kaberle is out with an upper body injury and won't play for the Habs.